Program Coordinator

About the Program

This program offers an alternative route to a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies for working adults who have completed lower-division coursework and whose schedules do not permit them to attend regular campus classes. Instruction is organized around one full Saturday seminar per month on campus, combined with weekly online seminars and ongoing reading and writing assignments.

It's Different

This two-year, 40-unit program is offered by SSU's Hutchins School of Liberal Studies in conjunction with the School of Extended and International Education. The Hutchins School does not believe that being educated consists of "knowing things." Rather, we believe that it consists of being able to think about the "things" that you know. And this involves being challenged, being confronted with other viewpoints, and being able to articulate your own changing understandings.

Most of the interesting questions do not stop short at disciplinary boundaries. By arranging our courses around major themes, we are able to juxtapose a variety of readings that illuminate one another, and jostle around in the mind. That jostling is what we call learning.

It's Marketable

A B.A. in Liberal Studies provides excellent preparation for students interested in careers in teaching, counseling, social work, public service, law, or business, as well as graduate work in the social sciences and humanities. For more information, see Career Opportunities for Liberal Studies Graduates.

Information Meetings

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend an information meeting. This is the best way to get in-depth information about the program. Meetings are held twice per semester on the Sonoma State campus, and provide a comprehensive overview of the philosophy, requirements, and organization of the program.

The Hutchins School of Liberal Studies - The Hutchins School of Liberal Studies is a unique school within the larger institution of Sonoma State University. Hutchins students complete all lower-division general education requirements, with the exception of mathematics--through an interdisciplinary, theme-oriented focus. "Learning to learn," small seminar classes, close cooperation and a feeling of community among students and faculty are highlights of this program. This is offered stateside for regularly matriculated students.

Liberal Studies Ukiah - Residents of Mendocino and Lake Counties may also be interested in the Liberal Studies B.A. program based at the Mendocino College campus in Ukiah. This is offered stateside for regularly matriculated students.